Sukhbir for more power to municipal corporations

Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has said that municipal corporations should be provided with more powers, so that they do not have to turn to the state government for sanction of 'petty' expenditures.

Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has said that municipal corporations should be provided with more powers, so that they do not have to turn to the state government for sanction of 'petty' expenditures.

He said he wanted to accelerate development in the state. "I am of the opinion that more powers must be delegated to the municipal corporations. Instead of looking to the state government for petty sanctions, the municipal corporations must have the authority to begin work independently."

Sukhbir said he would soon raise the issue in the cabinet and would also take it up in the state assembly. "We will explore the possibility of a system under which local bodies could be given more powers."

Sukhbir avoided commenting on the proposed memorial to Operation Bluestar, saying the only issue on his mind was that of development.

On being told that PPCC president Capt Amarinder Singh had criticised the plan for the memorial, Sukhbir refused to comment.

"Amarinder is raising these issues to divert people's attention. The Congress has no issue to raise in the local elections," he said.

On Balwant Singh Rajoana's felicitation by the Akal Takht, Sukhbir expressed ignorance, saying he was "not aware of the complete facts".

On a query on BJP leader Balbir Punj's disapproval of the Bluestar memorial, Sukhbir evaded comment. The deputy chief minister said that the police and civil administration had been directed to ensure free and fair elections.

He addressed no less than 10 rallies in the city on Wednesday evening. He also promised 24-hour electricity supply within a year.